In India, packaged and fast food contain high levels of salt, fat: CSE

Most packaged food and fast food items being sold in India contain "dangerously" high levels of salt and fat in them, according to a new study.

The laboratory study by the environment think-tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE)found that the levels of salt and fat in the foods to be much higher than the thresholds set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). It further claimed that the thresholds have been drafted by the FSSAI but not notified yet.

Reacting to the study, the FSSAI said in a statement that it has been taking up the junk food regulations seriously and has already put up the draft notifications in public for comments.

"We have also issued an advisory to state government as well as our regional offices to look at the possibilities of implementing these regulations in the schools as well as ensure ban on junk food within the radius of 50 m. Soon the draft notifications will be notified and we will look at the ways of implementation. FSSAI is also working with schools as well as constituting an advisory committee who will look into the implementation," the FSSAI said in a statement.

The CSE's Environment Monitoring Laboratory (EML) tested salt, fat, trans fats and carbohydrates in 33 popular junk foods, which include 14 samples of chips, namkeen, instant noodles and instant soup and 19 samples of burgers, fries, fried chicken, pizza, sandwich and wraps.

"These samples were collected from grocery stores and fast food outlets in Delhi and are known to be widely sold and consumed across the country," the study said.